The Centre for Migration and Inclusive Development (CMID) in Kerala has refuted Chief Minister V.D.Satheesan's remarks suggesting that remittances sent by migrant workers are 'reverse'.

CMID executive director Benoy Peter emphasized that migrant remittances, amounting to ₹52,000 crore, should be compared to Malayali expatriates' remittances of ₹2.16 lakh crore.

He criticized the CM's derogatory comments about migrant workers needing only basic items like wheat flour, onion, and liquor, noting that rice is the staple for most migrants and alcohol consumption is minimal.

Peter highlighted that migrants spend a third of their earnings in Kerala on rent, mobile recharge, food, and remittance fees, while Keralites operate hundreds of buses weekly to transport migrants.He also stressed Kerala's status as a 'money order economy' and urged remembering the hardships faced by Keralites working abroad.

The CMID's statement underscores the economic significance of migrant remittances and the need for accurate representation of their contributions.